To bathe or not to bathe?
For decades, there has been the question as to whether the frequency of bathing or showering has any effect on the extent or severity of atopic eczema.
Some dermatologists advocate infrequent bathing, whilst others encourage regular or daily bathing. The question has never been subject to a randomised trial, and it is a frequent question posed by sufferers.
To address this, a recent randomised control trial of weekly versus daily bathing in atopic eczema was conducted. A total of 438 people with self-identified eczema were randomised between late January and July 2024 in the UK. Minor eczema, hand eczema only, and stasis eczema sufferers were excluded. Patients were over the age of one, with the majority being over 16 years of age.
Patients were randomised into either daily or weekly bathing or showering. Their bathing or showering regime and use of emollients or soap substitutes remained the same as they had used in the lead in period, and no other therapy changes were made during the assessment period. The majority of participants had no preconceived opinion as to whether bathing frequency had an effect on their eczema activity.
A Patient-Orientated Eczema Measurement score was undertaken on a weekly basis over four weeks by the participants.
The trial found no evidence of a clinically important difference in eczema symptoms between those bathing or showering weekly versus daily. There was a slightly reduced use of topical steroids in the weekly bathing group.
The results are helpful as patients with eczema can choose with confidence whichever ablution regime suits them best in terms of convenience and personal preferences without having a significant impact on their eczema.
Dr Ian Coulson, Dermatologist and DermNet Editor-in-Chief
Post your comment
Comments
8 August 26
Haggai
Yes, bathing doesn't have absolute effect on eczema
7 August 26
유명선
아토피 치료 가이드에는 매일 통목욕을 짧게 하고 바로 보습제를 바르는 것이 좋다고 돼 있으나
개인적으로는 특히 겨울에는 매일 통목욕을 하면 피부가 너무 건조해지는 거 같습니다. 온몸에 꼼꼼히 보습제를 매일 바르는 것도 사실상 쉽지 않고요.
6 August 26
Elsa
A great news for one who does daily showers.
6 August 26
Amanda Peoples
Great short piece, Thanks
6 August 26
Øystein
Water is fine, daily or not. However, soap is the problem for some.
6 August 26
Dr D B
Climate, humidity, pollution matters. In places, like India, it has to be cleaned frequently. and Sun Exposure too needs to taken into account.
6 August 26
Isabel
Good to know. Thank you
5 August 26
Emi Hawthorne
The skin needs to be cleansed from sweat, dirt, crusts, pollen and other irritants in order for it to be ready to receive treatment and be hydrated. Bathing regularly is not the problem and should be encouraged as a long as it is a short bath/shower followed by immediate moisturising.
5 August 26
Kathy
What a great short article thanks for sharing
5 August 26
Dr Milos Pavlovic
It is hard to believe that so many people in the West bathe or shower once a week, having or not atopic dermatitis. Imagine the skin in the Summer which requires once or twice daily application of topical medications and emollients, layer onto layer, mixed with sweat and dirt. If not so relevant for the atopic dermatitis, this study made me add to any of my treatment plans the recommendation: take a shower once a day.
1 2 next »
No one has commented on this page yet.